Book picks similar to
The Mercenary's Kiss by Pam Crooks
harlequin
harlequin-historicals
historical-romance
western
Shotgun Wedding
Maggie Osborne - 2003
She’s gotten herself into the worst kind of trouble and there’s really only one way out. It seems the town’s handsome new sheriff, Jesse Harden, has taken a shine to her–and has offered her a way to end the scandal once and for all. Marriage, she hopes, even a hasty one to a virtual stranger, will put an end to the gossip and return her life to something like it was before. But Annie soon finds that the quiet life she once lived has been exchanged for one full of chance, desire, and the breathtaking possibility of true love.Jesse John Harden has always followed his instincts and has no doubt that he can turn this marriage of convenience into a true marriage of the heart. With each day that passes the bond between him and his pretty new wife grows stronger and the spark between them gets hotter. But Annie is hiding a secret that could destroy their delicate happiness. Now Jesse must convince Annie to let him stand beside her to face the past so they can have a chance at a happy future.
Puritan Bride
Anne O'Brien - 2004
While he doesn't believe that love lies within matrimony, he does need to secure his claim to Winteringham Priory. Marriage to the spirited Puritan Katherine Harley is the key and, given his unexpected response to her, perhaps their marriage needn't be as bleak as he fears. Because, beneath he solemn exterior, her senses a bride of surprising passion...
Sing My Name
Ellen O'Connell - 2010
Matt Slade is the orphaned son of hardscrabble Texas settlers. Sarah knows about every Civil War battle from studying newspaper accounts. Matt fought in the bloodiest of them under Generals Longstreet and Lee. If Matt and Sarah ever crossed paths, it should have been for an unremarkable moment. He would tip his hat. She would nod and pass on by. Except that as survivors of a Comanche attack, Matt and Sarah spend far more than a moment together. They come to know each other, depend on each other and love each other. Humiliated by Sarah's love for "Rebel trash," her jilted fiance extracts a revenge so vicious, he boasts that he destroyed the young lovers. Did he? Or when Matt and Sarah meet again years later, can they put their lives and their love back together?
Gifts of the Season
Miranda Jarrett - 2002
Yet here he was, come to stay for the holidays in the very home where she was a governess...and bringing up the painful memories of their shared Christmas Charade by Lyn Stone Beth didn't want a husband. But when she agreed to marry handsome Jack as part of a scheme, she didn't expect to be playing with her heart. The Virtuous Widow by Anne Gracie Ellie was afraid she had no future. Left to her own devices now that her husband had passed away, she worried for her daughter's welfare as well as her own. But her world changed when a stranger landed on her doorstep.
The Irish Devil
Diane Whiteside - 2004
When Edward is tragically killed, Viola survives the best way she can, and ends up becoming partner with another widow in a laundry and dressmaking business, barely making ends meet. When her partner deserts her and her husband's debts threaten to destroy her, Viola offers William Donovan - a self-made Irish man - a deal he can't resist. She offers to be his personal mistress for three months; in return, Donovan agrees to house and feed her, which allows Viola to turn down the advances of Paul Lennox, a treacherous man whom she loathes. As Viola and William start to trust each other - much to both of their surprise - things heat up as Lennox plots to kidnap Viola. But will the growing bond between Viola and her Irish devil prove strong enough to overcome the dangerous circumstances that are headed their way?
The Lawman
Linda Lael Miller - 1999
Then Shay's world is truly shaken be lovely Aislinn Lethaby, a hotel worker who impulsively steps in to rescue him from danger! Is she a sweet distraction from his serious duties--or the answer to his lonely heart?
The Mysterious Miss M
Diane Gaston - 2004
But when Lord Devlin Steele finds himself responsible for her -- and her child -- he comes to know the real Maddy: the loving, passionate woman who drives away the nightmares of the Waterloo battlefield.But the aristocratic soldier can't support his new family. He will inherit his fortune only on marriage to a suitable lady -- and Maddy is far from suitable. With the dangers of London's underworld closing in, how can he protect the woman he has come to love?
Secret Life of a Scandalous Debutante
Bronwyn Scott - 2011
And he's looking for a perfectly bland, respectable wife.Appearances can be deceiving…Exotic Lilya Stefanov is anything but bland. Beldon is intrigued to see that the ragamuffin girl he once knew has matured into an elegant lady, poised and polite!But beneath the mysterious beauty's evening gowns and polished etiquette lies a dangerous secret—and a scandalous sensuality…
How to Tempt a Duke
Madeline Martin - 2019
Secret lessons with Charles, the dashing, infuriating—and devastatingly charming—Duke of Somersville, should help Eleanor shake off her shameful Ice Queen moniker. But how can she tempt a prospective husband when it’s the duke who ignites her desire?
A Dashing Duke for Emily
Hanna Hamilton - 2018
She is surprised when Mark Linfield, the handsome and powerful Duke of Edgerton, and his Uncle Silas invite her and her sisters to supper together. Both Mark and his uncle are smitten with the elegant, statuesque Emily, and the Duke, a patron of the arts, suggests he would like to help launch her career as a solo pianist throughout Europe. Silas wants to help Emily too, but only if she will agree to accept his advances toward her. And not only must she contend with Silas, but there are forces within her own family that want to prevent her from achieving her dream. Despite these difficulties Mark and Emily, are becoming intensely attracted to each other. But Emily has a beau, and Mark's family wants him to marry a woman of his social class. Neither one is certain how to deal with these challenges by themselves. But might they succeed together, or will they be overpowered by the forces working against them? *A Dashing Duke for Emily is a historical Regency romance of 90,000 words (around 450 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after. Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
Five Gold Rings
Constance O'Banyon - 1999
Yet from the great hall to the scullery there were signs that the house was in an uproar. This Yuletide season was to be one of passion and merriment. The master of the keep had returned.With him had come several travelers, some weary with laughter, some tired of tears. But in all of their stories -- whether lords a'leapin' or maids a'milkin' -- there was one gift that their true loves gave to them. And in the winter moonlight, each of the castle's inhabitants would soon see the magic of the season and the joy that could come from...
September Rain
Mallory Kane - 2011
That's what the townspeople said about the reclusive man they called Crazy Jake. When Jacob Chandler saved Hallie Greer from an attacker and was beaten half to death for his trouble, Hallie can't rest until she makes sure he's all right. Hallie travels up a treacherous mountain trail to a treeline cabin. What she finds there is danger, mystery and love.
The Count's Charade
Elizabeth Bailey - 2003
An enemy spy? Who are the men who seek him? What secrets lie in the papers Henri entrusts to her charge?Living alone but for her faithful maid, Grace’s reputation is at stake. But Henri’s safety comes first. If he is to have a chance, she must hold the authorities at bay.Barely has he recovered when his pursuers come calling. Pitting those who would interfere one against the other, Grace risks all to keep her Frenchman alive.Will the truth emerge before Henri’s enemies manage to silence him forever?
Short Straw Bride
Dallas Schulze - 1996
Tired of worrying about who to leave the ranch to when they were gone.Luke could imagine the perfect wife --- biddable, tidy and willing --- and when he saw Eleanor Williams in church one Sunday, he thought she'd do just fine. But little did he know that the practical Eleanor had a mind of her own --- and other ideas about marriage!
Wildflower
Jill Marie Landis - 1989
Dressed as a man, she duped unwanted attackers and survived the perils of the West—but her heart held passionate dreams and unspoken desires.Troy:A darkly handsome explorer, he kidnapped Dani on a lark—and was himself captivated by the beauty of her unwavering spirit, and the untapped passion within her innocent heart. But a shadowy secret had left Troy's heart as barren as the rocky terrain he traveled.WildflowerFrom the great peaks of the West to the lush seclusion of a Caribbean jungle, Dani and Troy discovered the deepest treasures of the heart.